Sentencing set for former Florence firefighters

Sentencing dates have now been set for three former volunteer firefighters who were charged with arson.

Stephen Eric Tremblett, 52, of North Sydney, pleaded guilty to five counts of arson that occurred in 2015.

Tremblett was to be sentenced Thursday but the case was adjourned until March 7.

Prosecutor Mark Gouthro explained to the court Thursday that the Crown recently received a request for restitution from one of the victims.

He declined to comment on the specific amount being sought saying only it was “substantial.”

As a result, he said, the Crown and defence needed to discuss the case further as the issue of restitution was not part of the initial plea agreement.

A second firefighter, James Clayton MacDonald, 25, of Point Aconi, is to be sentenced Feb. 15 after pleading guilty to 14 arson charges involving nine homes, two vehicles and two buildings along with a tract of land owned by the provincial government.

The third accused, Gary Richard Luker, 32, of Main Street, Florence, was charged with two counts of arson involving property damage and two counts of mischief over $5,000 involving property damage.

He had previously entered not guilty pleas and elected trial in Supreme Court.

He was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on the charges Thursday but instead entered a guilty plea to a single count of mischief over $5,000.

Sentencing is now set for March 22.

The three men are former members of the Florence Volunteer Fire Department.